QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- When was the last time you checked your house's structural integrity?
Most earthquakes strike without warning and scientists cannot predict when something will happen. So, different government agencies and local government units continue to remind everyone to prepare and ensure their safety.
The public is also advised to ensure that the structure of their own houses can withstand the quake.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has a ‘House self-check’ that can help Filipinos evaluate their homes’ integrity and vulnerability to strong earthquakes. This can help identify if it requires further strengthening and recommends necessary measures to be done.
The evaluation can be used to assess 1 to 2-storey Concrete Hollow Block (CHB) houses including those residences with small shops, offices, garages, and the like.
To check your homes, assess them today: https://howsafeismyhouse.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/SupplementaryPage
Moreover, simulations and earthquake drills such as the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) are being conducted every quarter. This is to refresh the memory of everyone about disaster preparedness measures to avoid panic in case of an earthquake. As a matter of fact, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) will conduct the next NSED on June 8, 2023, and everyone is enjoined to participate.
These are some preparedness measures to ensure that lives will be protected from the effects of earthquakes. (KSAA – PIA CPSD)
